Edinburgh | The best reaction and analysis of a dramatic derby day

Hearts 1 - 0 Hibernian

Craig Halkett sent home fans into raptures with an added-time winner in the Edinburgh derby, securing Hearts’ place at the top of the table ahead of the international break.

Author | Jamie P

Stadium | Tynecastle

Halkett volleyed in a superb cross from substitute Sabah Kerjota to break the deadlock, despite Hibernian having created the clearer chances earlier. Martin Boyle saw a chip rebound off the crossbar after previously forcing a save from Alexander Schwolow and also scored from an offside position.

Hearts’ Alexandros Kyziridis nearly replicated his stunning strike against Falkirk last week with another ambitious effort, but it flew over the bar. Halkett’s decisive goal, however, ensured Hearts went five points clear.

The following day, Champions Celtic closed the gap to two points with home victory against Motherwell. Hibs, now seventh, suffered their first league defeat of the season, having claimed only one win so far.

Best Hearts fan reaction

Callum: Absolutely thrilled for Craig Halkett. He deserved that more than anyone on the pitch, standing out as a true colossus. Hearts showing they can grind out wins even from limited chances is really encouraging.

Paula: A touch of fortune went our way, but we’ll take it. The game was a typical derby, high stakes and no slick football on display. Grit and determination carried the day.

Kristian: Not the most polished match. Hibs either took forever to restart or launched the ball upfield, and we allowed them to set the pace. I would have made substitutions earlier, but everything fell into place in the end. The game looked destined for a goalless draw until Halkett’s brilliant cross and finish. Surely he’s close to a Scotland recall?

Stephen: Grateful for the three points, and what a way to claim the derby. Oisin McEntee should be in midfield; we lack pace there with Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime. Our forward options, though, are looking strong. A quality right-back is needed, and Halkett’s contract should be extended. Anything feels possible now.

How did the Hibs manager and fans respond?

Hibs Head Coach David Gray reflects on today's Edinburgh Derby defeat. pic.twitter.com/2QDiEFFs8c

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) October 4, 2025

Colm: Lost the game because we weren’t clinical enough. Time to keep level heads and avoid knee-jerk reactions just because we lost a derby. We have a good squad, so let’s dust ourselves off and move on.

Terry: A bit unlucky with Martin Boyle hitting the bar, but overall we huffed and puffed and never really got our game together. Not sure David Gray made the changes quickly enough as several players were working very hard, but it just wasn’t clicking. Sliding down the league feels like death by a thousand cuts, but heads up. They weren’t that much better than us. One excellent cross breaks our defence and Halkett’s finish was quality. Move on and start again.

Mark: Typical, it was a poor game to be honest. Neither goalkeeper was really tested. A draw would have been fair, but we switched off again. Why does every team play until the whistle except us?